Traditional food preparation has become one of the main highlights of Vanuatu’s 46th Independence Anniversary celebrations on Merelava Island, where chiefs, elders and community members are teaching young people traditional skills and customs to help preserve the island’s cultural heritage.
The week-long celebrations began last Friday, coinciding with Children’s Day, and feature a range of traditional activities, including custom food preparation, traditional dances and cultural demonstrations that reflect the identity of the people of Merelava.
The island community is well known for its rich cultural traditions and knowledge of traditional living practices. This year’s Independence celebrations have placed a special focus on reviving traditional food preparation, customary dances and other cultural practices to ensure these traditions continue to be passed on to future generations.
Community leader and former Merelava councillor Edmond Sovan said one of the main activities during the celebrations is demonstrating traditional methods of preparing custom food for young people.
“These activities focus on preparing traditional food and demonstrating our customs to today’s young people. We want to share these practices with the different tribes and villages so children can see how our traditional food is prepared and keep this knowledge alive.”
Mr. Sovan said chiefs and respected elderly women carry the responsibility of teaching the younger generation about traditional food preparation and other important cultural activities.
“This responsibility lies with our chiefs and elderly women, who teach the younger generation how to prepare traditional food and carry out customary activities. It is through them that these traditions continue to be passed on.”
He said these cultural activities provide valuable learning opportunities for young people and help strengthen their understanding of Merelava’s traditions and identity.
Mr. Sovan also expressed confidence that if chiefs and community leaders continue passing on traditional knowledge, customs such as traditional dances, tribal practices and customary food preparation will remain alive for future generations rather than being lost over time.
The Merelava Independence celebrations will conclude on 30 July, when Vanuatu officially marks its 46th Independence Anniversary.
